Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Director Coralie Fargeat has provided one of the most memorable (and disturbing) films of the year. Her story centers around Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging celebrity who hosts an exercise show on TV. When she overhears a company executive say that she is aging out, she decides to try a treatment known as The Substance. This drug creates a younger, better version of yourself…but with a few rules. Elisabeth must remain in her younger body for one week at a time and transition back into her regular body. If she stays longer than she should, the consequences will be dire. What follows is a nightmarish descent into the dark depths of beauty standards, fame chasing, and a story that will leave an impression like no other.
Positives:
“The Substance” is one of the wildest movies I’ve seen in years. Not only is the premise intriguing, but it unfolds into more than audiences are expecting. From the first frame of the film, I knew it would be a journey like no other. There is a distinct style throughout, featuring unique camera angles, sharp color in the settings, and a story largely driven by its characters. The camera work is exceptional. A number of sequences that are dialogue driven often zoom close to the characters faces. This creates an uneasy feeling for the viewer as we are forced to endure these situations with them. A lot of the film is shot from what is considered “the male gaze”, as Elisabeth and Sue are portrayed in a way that commercializes their appearance and highlights their physical attributes. This was effective in tying into the larger themes about appearances and aging. The film features some uniquely colorful set pieces too. I believe there were larger ideas at play based on how the grading was reflected in each scene.
The characters were one of the most fascinating parts of the story. Demi Moore turns in one of the most impressive performances of her career. It is raw, emotional, and unapologetically visceral. She commands the screen even though she isn’t a dialogue heavy character. Margaret Qualley is making a name for herself in the indie scene, who also gives an excellent performance. Her counter personality to Elisabeth is the perfect foil, yet their characters have so much in common. Both characters are intense, conveying the discomfort of sharing a life with the other. The performances are more physically driven than dialogue driven. This couldn’t have been an easy task given the subject matter of the film. Dennis Quaid also delivers a rockstar supporting performance as Harvey (I doubt the name is coincidental). His grovely voice and sleazy presentation drive Moore and Qualley’s actions forward as the story goes on.
But the ideas at play are the most poignant parts of the film. In a not-so-subtle approach, Director Coraline Fargeat addresses beauty standards specifically for women as they are aging. Moore conveys the sense of loss and hopelessness as her career is ending, while Qualley is the up and coming version of herself that she is envious of. Both versions of the character evolve in such a way that reinforces the idea from different perspectives. The viewers are given glimpses from different angles of the situation, understanding how these standards can drive someone crazy. But the film doesn’t give Elisabeth and Sue complete passes. It also examines what someone will do to attain fame (to themselves and others). This toxic cycle, often prevalent in Hollywood, highlights the cut throat and vicious environment that is cultivated to get ahead. By the time the film concludes, we see our characters in a place that is both heartbreaking and shocking. There is so much more to unpack from the themes in the film, so I’m curious how audiences will respond.
Negatives:
I was so close to giving the film a perfect score. I likey would have had the final twenty to thirty minutes stayed the course. But unfortunately the film concludes on such a dour, obnoxiously gory note that I felt sick leaving the theater. I believe this feeling was intentional, but the incessant gore, body horror, and prolonged finale took away from the accomplishments in the earlier segments. There was a way to showcase the message without going this far. It felt cartoonish and out of place with the rest of the film. I admire the filmmakers for doing something bold, but sometimes restraint is a virtue. In the end, the way the story wraps up is satisfying to reinforce the ideas at hand…but a less ridiculous payoff would have been far more effective.
Conclusion:
“The Substance” is likely the most memorable film I will encounter all year. The gutsy approach, fantastic performances, and rich thematic analysis will stick with me for a long time. Luckily the film is strong enough to overcome an overstuffed and absurd final segment. I can’t emphasize enough how creative the story is. I don’t think the film will resonate with everyone though. In fact, I will caution those who are squeamish and can’t handle some gnarly body horror. It is some of the most intense material I’ve seen in recent memory. But I cannot recommend the film enough if one is willing to endure some intense imagery and discomfort. The central story is fascinating and memorable in so many ways. Check out “The Substance” for a wild, unpredictable ride. Just don’t eat before watching it, trust me.
